NEWS & INSIGHTS
What’s Happening
Industry News
Seattle among cities with toughest laws for home builders
Regulations imposed on homebuilders are generally getting worse across the country, and they’re driving home prices higher, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. Their comparison of metropolitan areas ranked Seattle tied at #4 among cities with the most expansive zoning regulations. Researchers noted the cities [..]
Industry News
SKCR Events Calendar
Date Event Time Where Phone Feb 12 Affiliate Council Meeting 10:00 am – 11:00 am SKCR 425-974-1011 Feb 17 HOLIDAYOffice Closed Mar 4 –June 20 NAR Region 12 Meetings Alaska 425-974-1011 For updates visit: www.nwrealtor.com and look under “Events”
Industry News
Most buyers of new homes will be part of a homeowner association
More than six of every 10 new homes started in 2018 were built within a community or homeowner’s association (HOA), according to data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). That share (62.5%) is the highest since records began in 2009, when only 47.6% of starts were part of [..]
Industry News
Issues & Impacts: January 2020
Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by the SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within your Governmental Affairs Department. SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® (SKCR) is ensuring that public policies support homeownership and your business’s bottom line. View the full publication (PDF, 20 pages)
Industry News
Recommended reading and listening list from staffers at Joint Center for Housing
Those who enjoy learning about housing and policies that affect supply and affordability might be interested in seeing the “faves” list of books, articles and podcasts recommended by staff members at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. In introducing the compilation, David Luberoff, the Center’s deputy director, [..]
Monthly Market Update
Eager home buyers were plentiful in December but their choices were meager
KIRKLAND, Washington (January 6, 2020) – “The buyers are out there and are showing up at open houses and making multiple offers on new listings,” was how one industry leader summarized December’s housing activity involving members of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Frank Wilson, Kitsap regional manager and branch managing [..]
Industry News
EXPOsed education convention returns
Northwest Multiple Listing Service will present EXPOsed, a daylong education convention for members and subscribers, at three locations this spring. Registration will open in mid-February. Participants can earn up to 6 clock hour credits, depending on the number classes attended. EXPOsed will include symposium style classes on a variety of [..]
Industry News
News In Brief
Seattle took the second spot in a new ranking among cities across the country with the worst commutes, according to a story in the Seattle PI. According to the study from Apartment Guide, people in Seattle lost 138 hours a year due to traffic congestion in the city. The cost [..]
Industry News
SKCR Events Calendar
Date Event Time Where Phone Jan 20 HOLIDAYOffice Closed Jan 22 WR Committees Hotel RLOlympia 425-974-1011 Jan 23 Hill Day Hotel RLOlympia 425-974-1011 Jan 29 Board of Directors 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. SKCR 425-974-1011 Feb 4 Govt. Affairs Committee 10:30 am – 1:30 pm SKCR 425-974-1011 [..]
Industry News
Washington one of few states with population growth
Washington was one of few states to experience population growth during 2019 (up 1.2%), according to newly-released estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau. Overall, the nation’s population grew by only 0.5% between 2018 and 2019 – the slowest pace in decades. Census Bureau officials attribute the meager gain to various [..]